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Reborn Mercenary: Epic Fantasy With Progression
The Red Gale was a legend until a sword through the heart ended his career. Now, reborn as Danarre de Blaise, he has to survive a childhood where "training" means fighting pig-men in the dark and "family" means watching your back.
Armed with the memories of a mercenary warlord and a mysterious System granted by the Goddess of Death, Danarre isn’t looking for redemption. He’s looking to fulfill a contract and find the one who poisoned his mother.
Sword. Spear. Sorcery. He’ll master them all.
The dead don’t forgive, and they certainly don’t forget.
Armed with the memories of a mercenary warlord and a mysterious System granted by the Goddess of Death, Danarre isn’t looking for redemption. He’s looking to fulfill a contract and find the one who poisoned his mother.
Sword. Spear. Sorcery. He’ll master them all.
The dead don’t forgive, and they certainly don’t forget.
603 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
June 24, 2026
unrealistic plus AI
This book started off interesting, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The kids are 3 to 5 years old but talk like cynical middle aged men. After investing years in training them (starting from age 3) they throw them into a meat grinder to determine who is worthy of further investment. They literally throw waves of monsters at them, until most of them die. This just doesn’t make sense. The kids are 9. How are they going to survive against multiple waves of monsters, including some that are fully grown and intelligent. The noble house is portrayed as being cold, calculating, practical. Why would they then throw away their investments in such a manner?
This book started off interesting, but the execution leaves much to be desired. The kids are 3 to 5 years old but talk like cynical middle aged men. After investing years in training them (starting from age 3) they throw them into a meat grinder to determine who is worthy of further investment. They literally throw waves of monsters at them, until most of them die. This just doesn’t make sense. The kids are 9. How are they going to survive against multiple waves of monsters, including some that are fully grown and intelligent. The noble house is portrayed as being cold, calculating, practical. Why would they then throw away their investments in such a manner?
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June 20, 2026Dropped, I liked the premise, but the setting is frankly insane and breaks any immersion and suspension of disbelief.
July 6, 2026
Great
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆ (7/10)
I just finished Reborn Mercenary by Kaz Hunter, and overall I enjoyed it.
My ratings:
🖤 Rebirth Concept: 8/10
I love rebirth stories, and this one had a solid premise.
⚔️ Action: 10/10
Once the action finally kicked in, it did not disappoint. The fight scenes were definitely the highlight for me.
❤️ Favorite Characters: Danarre and Maise (the red-headed terror). Maise quickly became my favorite.
🤝 Loyalty: 10/10
The loyalty within the main group is one of the strongest parts of the story so far.
💔 Emotional Damage: 3/10
I don't think the story gave me enough time to get attached to certain characters before major events happened, so those moments didn't hit as hard as they could have.
🌍 World-Building: 4/10
The world itself didn't stand out to me. It served its purpose, but I wanted more depth and exploration.
Overall Thoughts
My biggest criticism is the pacing in the first half. I felt like it spent a little too long on the main character being too young to really do everything his past-life knowledge should allow. I kept thinking, "Can we skip to the good part already?" Once the story finally reached that point, I had a much better time.
One thing I didn't realize before starting is that Book 2 doesn't release until September 18, 2026. 😭 So now I'm stuck waiting.
Overall, if you enjoy rebirth fantasy with strong action and themes of loyalty, I'd recommend giving it a try.
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆☆☆ (7/10)
I just finished Reborn Mercenary by Kaz Hunter, and overall I enjoyed it.
My ratings:
🖤 Rebirth Concept: 8/10
I love rebirth stories, and this one had a solid premise.
⚔️ Action: 10/10
Once the action finally kicked in, it did not disappoint. The fight scenes were definitely the highlight for me.
❤️ Favorite Characters: Danarre and Maise (the red-headed terror). Maise quickly became my favorite.
🤝 Loyalty: 10/10
The loyalty within the main group is one of the strongest parts of the story so far.
💔 Emotional Damage: 3/10
I don't think the story gave me enough time to get attached to certain characters before major events happened, so those moments didn't hit as hard as they could have.
🌍 World-Building: 4/10
The world itself didn't stand out to me. It served its purpose, but I wanted more depth and exploration.
Overall Thoughts
My biggest criticism is the pacing in the first half. I felt like it spent a little too long on the main character being too young to really do everything his past-life knowledge should allow. I kept thinking, "Can we skip to the good part already?" Once the story finally reached that point, I had a much better time.
One thing I didn't realize before starting is that Book 2 doesn't release until September 18, 2026. 😭 So now I'm stuck waiting.
Overall, if you enjoy rebirth fantasy with strong action and themes of loyalty, I'd recommend giving it a try.
June 24, 2026
There are some things to like about this book. Among them are the harsh consequences of violence. The book takes a confident step over the line into grimdark, and stays there. The story opens strongly, and I was happy to suffer along with the MC to see where this went. However, as I read more various negatives built up until I had to DNF this around 50% completed.
The biggest flaw is one shared by almost all of these rebirth type stories that choose to spend time with the MC as a small child - there is no way these are children. None. They do not think, act, nor speak as children. Sure the MC is actually the titular reborn mercenary, so he can be given a pass... but all of the other small children? No. Absolutely no way that works.
The other problem that grew as I read made me ask that all-to-common question that pops up nowadays: how much of this is written by AI? Why does the author keep repeating the same thing, verbatim, chapter after chapter? Small continuity details clash (ex. there are 6 attackers, 4 are killed, 2 run. Then... more survivors see what is happening and turn to run. Then... all of the "other" survivors also run. There were no others. 2 ran of the 6. No others around.)
TLDR: Interesting beginning. Solid grimdark. Utterly unbelievable depiction of children. Writing quirks that annoy.
The biggest flaw is one shared by almost all of these rebirth type stories that choose to spend time with the MC as a small child - there is no way these are children. None. They do not think, act, nor speak as children. Sure the MC is actually the titular reborn mercenary, so he can be given a pass... but all of the other small children? No. Absolutely no way that works.
The other problem that grew as I read made me ask that all-to-common question that pops up nowadays: how much of this is written by AI? Why does the author keep repeating the same thing, verbatim, chapter after chapter? Small continuity details clash (ex. there are 6 attackers, 4 are killed, 2 run. Then... more survivors see what is happening and turn to run. Then... all of the "other" survivors also run. There were no others. 2 ran of the 6. No others around.)
TLDR: Interesting beginning. Solid grimdark. Utterly unbelievable depiction of children. Writing quirks that annoy.
July 9, 2026
Not Worth It, 2.45 Stars
The story has alot of potential with a decent plot and its well paced for the most part, but the negatives canceled out the positives for me in the end. First off, there is way too much gratuitous violence to the point where it just gets distracting. Like I get it, the child soldiers have a hard life and it’s dangerous, but when 50% of the kids die every chapter for 20 chapters straight it starts making me think less about the brutality of it all and more about how much these guys just really kind of suck at raising child soldiers. Second, there is next to no dialog in this entire book, it’s all exposition with one line thrown out by the MC every couple of pages. Third, the exposition is repetitive and so flowery it borders ridiculous. I enjoyed the exposition to begin with, but I expected it to eventually phase out and more dialogue to fill in after the initial stage was set, and that just never happened. Halfway through the book the author is still using a full paragraph to describe how every other room smells like grief and regret.
I didn’t hate it, but I also can’t see myself reading the next in the series.
The story has alot of potential with a decent plot and its well paced for the most part, but the negatives canceled out the positives for me in the end. First off, there is way too much gratuitous violence to the point where it just gets distracting. Like I get it, the child soldiers have a hard life and it’s dangerous, but when 50% of the kids die every chapter for 20 chapters straight it starts making me think less about the brutality of it all and more about how much these guys just really kind of suck at raising child soldiers. Second, there is next to no dialog in this entire book, it’s all exposition with one line thrown out by the MC every couple of pages. Third, the exposition is repetitive and so flowery it borders ridiculous. I enjoyed the exposition to begin with, but I expected it to eventually phase out and more dialogue to fill in after the initial stage was set, and that just never happened. Halfway through the book the author is still using a full paragraph to describe how every other room smells like grief and regret.
I didn’t hate it, but I also can’t see myself reading the next in the series.
May 18, 2026
Reborn Mercenary: Epic Fantasy With Progression, my second read author Kaz Hunter, an author I'd not heard of before receiving the opportunity to read System Fall: A Apocalypse Reborn LitRPG Adventure Vol 1. A unique, captivating, page-turning, well-written read leaving you panting for more. “I received a courtesy Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to the next book in this series Reborn Mercenary: Epic Fantasy With Progression due out in September of this year. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).
May 29, 2026
Rare diamond in the KU rough
This a rare diamond in the rough. Not perfect, but very good. Characters are smart, believable, and have reasonable motivations. Plot moves along nicely, with solid beat points. LitRPG was super light, and didn't meaningfully impact story one way or another. Intelligently written prose throughout.
So, some thoughts that could have made this even better - theres a bit of repetition in phrases/descriptions, and some strange paragraphs that a more thorough editing pass would have caught.
All in all, excited to read the next one and checkout Kaz's other work!
This a rare diamond in the rough. Not perfect, but very good. Characters are smart, believable, and have reasonable motivations. Plot moves along nicely, with solid beat points. LitRPG was super light, and didn't meaningfully impact story one way or another. Intelligently written prose throughout.
So, some thoughts that could have made this even better - theres a bit of repetition in phrases/descriptions, and some strange paragraphs that a more thorough editing pass would have caught.
All in all, excited to read the next one and checkout Kaz's other work!
July 5, 2026
Is actually a 21/2 stars. I rounded up.
Liked the beginning. But not a fan of having memories as a baby. And then there’s the fact that 3 year old bodies just don’t work that way.
Then there’s the raising. Getting the bare minimum of food and shelter. Plus getting thrown into an arena with waves of monsters at 9 years old.
Why waste resources like that?
Then at the end the continuity of the number of people who are saved is totally screwed up. And I guess they’re all complete idiots when they all forget to pick up crossbows and other weapons when they’re escaping.
The battle scenes are pretty good. But don’t know if it’s enough to bring me back
Liked the beginning. But not a fan of having memories as a baby. And then there’s the fact that 3 year old bodies just don’t work that way.
Then there’s the raising. Getting the bare minimum of food and shelter. Plus getting thrown into an arena with waves of monsters at 9 years old.
Why waste resources like that?
Then at the end the continuity of the number of people who are saved is totally screwed up. And I guess they’re all complete idiots when they all forget to pick up crossbows and other weapons when they’re escaping.
The battle scenes are pretty good. But don’t know if it’s enough to bring me back
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2026
didn’t get past the river in the beginning
This reads like AI generated text. It’s overly dramatic language to the point of not making sense. I’m only pages into it and I’ve already met the same character with the same thought and expressions copy and pasted on every extra. I’d be more inclined to think it’s just a style I don’t particularly like if it wasn’t the 50th book I’ve opened that’s written in the exact same style. I’ll say the same thing I said the last one I left a frustrated review - you had a good enough story idea that I was excited to read it and then you ruined it by letting a computer write it for you.
This reads like AI generated text. It’s overly dramatic language to the point of not making sense. I’m only pages into it and I’ve already met the same character with the same thought and expressions copy and pasted on every extra. I’d be more inclined to think it’s just a style I don’t particularly like if it wasn’t the 50th book I’ve opened that’s written in the exact same style. I’ll say the same thing I said the last one I left a frustrated review - you had a good enough story idea that I was excited to read it and then you ruined it by letting a computer write it for you.
May 25, 2026
Too many flaws
The storyline is interesting , but the author neglected to proofread his don't work. Multiple examples of rewriting a certain part , but for getting to take the original part out. Has a tendency to mix up characters, Probably due to not having a flow chart for which character does what. Mix up the age of the main protagonist on a couple of occasions.
I realize this is a fantasy, but has totally unrealistic expectations of children.
I apologize but I cannot recommend this book.
The storyline is interesting , but the author neglected to proofread his don't work. Multiple examples of rewriting a certain part , but for getting to take the original part out. Has a tendency to mix up characters, Probably due to not having a flow chart for which character does what. Mix up the age of the main protagonist on a couple of occasions.
I realize this is a fantasy, but has totally unrealistic expectations of children.
I apologize but I cannot recommend this book.
June 20, 2026
STOP! if you’re doom scrolling through choices
Read this book! If you’re not convinced, just read through the first chapter. Plot, prose, progression, and action are superb. Magic system is not crunchy but based on lore that is woven in lightly, in a way I thought was very nice. And that’s coming from a crunch addict. I won’t say it’s perfect, but its mistakes are few, although not far between but not jarring either. Easily overlooked. For me, most of them had to do with the power scaling. But the story is definitely worth it. Can’t wait for the next!
Read this book! If you’re not convinced, just read through the first chapter. Plot, prose, progression, and action are superb. Magic system is not crunchy but based on lore that is woven in lightly, in a way I thought was very nice. And that’s coming from a crunch addict. I won’t say it’s perfect, but its mistakes are few, although not far between but not jarring either. Easily overlooked. For me, most of them had to do with the power scaling. But the story is definitely worth it. Can’t wait for the next!
July 10, 2026
DNF this AI fest
I made it about 6% in and was done. In the first 6% of the book the AI couldn’t even maintain basic continuity of his arm!
MC has his arm cut off, lands in the realm of the dead exactly as he was, counts all 10 fingers. Death points out he is missing an arm, he then uses both to fight. Still missing the arm, on the boat ride he is using both to swing the paddle, and then comments on how his ARMS are shaking.
I can’t wait for the day when KU detects these AI books better and bans the authors.
I made it about 6% in and was done. In the first 6% of the book the AI couldn’t even maintain basic continuity of his arm!
MC has his arm cut off, lands in the realm of the dead exactly as he was, counts all 10 fingers. Death points out he is missing an arm, he then uses both to fight. Still missing the arm, on the boat ride he is using both to swing the paddle, and then comments on how his ARMS are shaking.
I can’t wait for the day when KU detects these AI books better and bans the authors.
June 5, 2026
Way better than I was expecting!
In the many years I've been immersed in delving through the Amazon world of self publishing, it's a rare thing to find a book that keeps you engaged from start to finish. This does that and more. It did not follow the usual tropes of OPMC from birth, but the characters had to grow into greatness and the payoff was absolutely worth the slow burn. Really looking forward to the next installment.
In the many years I've been immersed in delving through the Amazon world of self publishing, it's a rare thing to find a book that keeps you engaged from start to finish. This does that and more. It did not follow the usual tropes of OPMC from birth, but the characters had to grow into greatness and the payoff was absolutely worth the slow burn. Really looking forward to the next installment.
yes-continue
June 5, 2026This is a serious upgrade in the quality of Kaz Hunter's writing (based on my multiple DNF's of his other series.) It's a grim as hell piece of fiction which I don't usually love, but it works here. The final battle scene is done really well. The magic system is meh, but I can live with that. I do think he should have adjusted the ages of the characters- it's hard to fathom 10 and 11 year olds fighting and dying so wantonly. I'll definitely be reading the next book in this series.
June 28, 2026
This book was everything
Wow! This was worth staying up late for. Different take on rebirth tropes that I’ve read recently. This story had a fresh plot with plenty of action and growth. The MC was pragmatic but not without heart. That lack has turned me off to some stories I started but couldn’t finish. He was loyal and inspired loyalty as well. That didn’t mean he couldn’t be ruthless when the situation dictated it. Can’t wait for September and book 2.
Wow! This was worth staying up late for. Different take on rebirth tropes that I’ve read recently. This story had a fresh plot with plenty of action and growth. The MC was pragmatic but not without heart. That lack has turned me off to some stories I started but couldn’t finish. He was loyal and inspired loyalty as well. That didn’t mean he couldn’t be ruthless when the situation dictated it. Can’t wait for September and book 2.
July 11, 2026
reborn mercenary, a good story, a great read.
Interesting characters, life-like. I read every word and enjoyed every moment.
Reborn with a debt that becomes his own as the protagonist grows. Still a boy at the end of the first book, but well on his way to growing to more than what most of us will ever be, not just his fighting skills but the friends he makes and protects. Even the powerful are learning to respect him. And still he grows.
Interesting characters, life-like. I read every word and enjoyed every moment.
Reborn with a debt that becomes his own as the protagonist grows. Still a boy at the end of the first book, but well on his way to growing to more than what most of us will ever be, not just his fighting skills but the friends he makes and protects. Even the powerful are learning to respect him. And still he grows.
July 14, 2026
Would have been a 5 but
This book is really good. I love reborn Fantasy books, it’s always interesting how the character’s change to starting over. What they do differently and what doesn’t change about them. This would have been a 5 star but in some parts of the books it’s like the edited parts weren’t completely deleted and so some scenes start all over. Confusing and annoying. Please go through and fix it! So that others can enjoy this book without unnecessary confusion.
This book is really good. I love reborn Fantasy books, it’s always interesting how the character’s change to starting over. What they do differently and what doesn’t change about them. This would have been a 5 star but in some parts of the books it’s like the edited parts weren’t completely deleted and so some scenes start all over. Confusing and annoying. Please go through and fix it! So that others can enjoy this book without unnecessary confusion.
May 24, 2026
A terrific start.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. It was difficult to put down once I started reading. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was fun and engaging. It was difficult to put down once I started reading. The story and characters were incredibly interesting and entertaining. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. This book is definitely worth checking out.
May 25, 2026
Very good and entertaining story
Strong MC with character growth and reborn experience. Brutal and gritty training maintains the tone of the story as it progresses and elevates the MC. some factual or confusing details are a little distracting from the flow of the storyline but fairly easy to understand.
Strong MC with character growth and reborn experience. Brutal and gritty training maintains the tone of the story as it progresses and elevates the MC. some factual or confusing details are a little distracting from the flow of the storyline but fairly easy to understand.
June 13, 2026
Well worth reading
I got this on a whim and am really glad I did. I also don't normally leave more than just a star review but once I got started on this book I just couldn't stop. Very good take on the reborn hero story. Characters acted like real people, the story wasn't predictable even when I thought I knew what was coming I was surprised. Nicely done.
I got this on a whim and am really glad I did. I also don't normally leave more than just a star review but once I got started on this book I just couldn't stop. Very good take on the reborn hero story. Characters acted like real people, the story wasn't predictable even when I thought I knew what was coming I was surprised. Nicely done.
June 19, 2026
Reborn Mercenary, book one of an Epic Fantasy with Progression series of the same name, is an ebook I borrowed through Kindle Unlimited (KU). I totally enjoyed this author's writing style. Storytelling and character-building pulled me into the story. I have the next installment on my TBR wishlist. I will be looking for more books by Hunter.
June 19, 2026
Superb! Buying the next book!!!!
Excellent world construction. MC is reborn, but still has challenges to face and must grow to full competence in mind and arms. Blood, sweat and unshed tears should be his motto. Plot moves through progression and growth. Other characters are well developed.
Excellent world construction. MC is reborn, but still has challenges to face and must grow to full competence in mind and arms. Blood, sweat and unshed tears should be his motto. Plot moves through progression and growth. Other characters are well developed.
June 22, 2026
I gave this story a solid three stars because it was a little far fetched even for my imagination.
Once I got passed the far fetchedness - the storyline was plodding.
Every chapter covered a one day progression in the life of a reborn new born.
We go from new born to age 13 and a half in the first book.
It was murder - I tell you. Murder.
Once I got passed the far fetchedness - the storyline was plodding.
Every chapter covered a one day progression in the life of a reborn new born.
We go from new born to age 13 and a half in the first book.
It was murder - I tell you. Murder.
July 4, 2026
A Must Read
This was a random pick from the suggestions Kindle offers. The title suggests yet another transmigration/rebirth story but this is something more. More story, more plot, more complex than the usual. And very well written. The themes are the cost of human life, obligations, and love. Read this! I'm impatiently awaiting the next book.
This was a random pick from the suggestions Kindle offers. The title suggests yet another transmigration/rebirth story but this is something more. More story, more plot, more complex than the usual. And very well written. The themes are the cost of human life, obligations, and love. Read this! I'm impatiently awaiting the next book.
May 22, 2026
Exciting read
Great start to a exciting series, can't wait for the next installment.. The prose is great and the action scenes tight and thrilling... Commendable job by the writer 👍
Great start to a exciting series, can't wait for the next installment.. The prose is great and the action scenes tight and thrilling... Commendable job by the writer 👍
May 23, 2026
Wow, what a book!!
What a surprise at how exceptional this book was. I've read quite a few books of this type, and this one tops them all. Heart still beating fast after finishing it!!
What a surprise at how exceptional this book was. I've read quite a few books of this type, and this one tops them all. Heart still beating fast after finishing it!!
June 1, 2026
What a great start to the series!
Familiar elements of the genre with original concepts and an interesting plot make this a compelling and engaging book.
The series couldn’t have a better start.
Can’t wait for the second book to see how the story develops.
Familiar elements of the genre with original concepts and an interesting plot make this a compelling and engaging book.
The series couldn’t have a better start.
Can’t wait for the second book to see how the story develops.
June 1, 2026
Don't miss out
Really enjoyed this book. I've started and stopped reading dozens lately and this really kept my interest. Very well written and with great characters. Give it a try and you won't be sorry
Really enjoyed this book. I've started and stopped reading dozens lately and this really kept my interest. Very well written and with great characters. Give it a try and you won't be sorry
June 1, 2026
I want more books this good
An adventure and a young hero more concerned with doing right than having sex. Very well plotted, writing is polished, and best of all, you fall into the narrative without intending to do so.
I’m on to book 2😎
An adventure and a young hero more concerned with doing right than having sex. Very well plotted, writing is polished, and best of all, you fall into the narrative without intending to do so.
I’m on to book 2😎
June 4, 2026
Why wouldn't you
Really enjoyable book, good characters that you know are going to grow into meaningful people. Shows the harsh reality of responsibility to people in your care and command, was disappointed the second book wasn't out yet.
Really enjoyable book, good characters that you know are going to grow into meaningful people. Shows the harsh reality of responsibility to people in your care and command, was disappointed the second book wasn't out yet.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews